Shabazz Napier or Pat Connaughton: Who Ya Got?

It’s no secret that the Portland Trail Blazers have some roster decisions this summer. With the roster already filled with 15 players, the Blazers added two draft picks and can see the luxury tax on the horizon. Something’s gotta give. That brings us to today’s Blazer’s Edge community question.

Both Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton will become restricted free agents next week if Portland gives them the qualifying offer. The Blazers can negotiate a contract with them, or simply wait for another team to make an offer, then decide whether to match.

If it comes down one roster spot, and these two players, which one do you keep?

Both players gave glimpses of promise, but settled for inconsistent seasons. Connaughton stayed in the rotation from opening night, playing in all 82 games (starting in 5) plus 4 playoff contests. Napier, who struggled through a toe injury in the second half of the season, played in 74 games (starting in 10) plus 2 playoff appearances. Portland drafted two guards, but questions remain about how soon they’ll be NBA-ready.

Perhaps the final spot might come down to salary. What kind of offers do you expect each player to receive? And will that affect your decision on which player to keep?

We may have answers as early as Saturday night, when the NBA Free Agency moratorium begins at 9:00 pm PDT. But with non-superstar players, we may wait weeks or months for resolution. Get comfortable.